'Bo Bear' reunited with rightful owner after 8 years

(FOX 11) - 'Bo Bear' was reunited on Monday after a microchip brought the long-lost dog to his rightful family.

A Riverside County Animal Services officer investigating a neglect case came across the German shepherd in Jurupa Valley, Calif.

The dog appeared thin and needed veterinary care. The officer questioned the "owner," who claimed he had found the dog a while back. The officer asked permission to scan the dog for a microchip and, sure enough, the dog was chipped.

The officer took possession of the dog and transported the pet to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley.

Officer Will Luna of Riverside County Animal Services contacted the owner, April Callison, of San Bernardino. She tearfully told the officer she would pick up Bo Bear as soon as she returned back to the Inland Empire. She and her two children, Dakota and Savannah, participated in the heartfelt reunion.

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April was tearful after seeing 'Bo Bear' for the first time in eight years!

Please remember that this can be a stressful period for pets due to fireworks; all the more reason to make sure your pet is properly microchipped and ensure your phone number is current with the microchipped information.